IMPACT OF THE PALESTINIAN NATIONAL CASH TRANSFER PROGRAMME ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES’ INDEPENDENT LIVING

Abu Alghaib, Ola (2018) IMPACT OF THE PALESTINIAN NATIONAL CASH TRANSFER PROGRAMME ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES’ INDEPENDENT LIVING. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

This thesis aims to contribute to current policy and academic debates on the impact of cash
transfers, as an essential pillar of social protection policy, on persons with disabilities in low-
and middle-income countries. It is one of the first studies to specifically explore cash transfer
schemes' potential contribution to persons with disabilities’ independent living, pursuant to
Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. A
qualitative country case study approach, with both descriptive and explanatory purposes, was
adopted. Multiple lines of evidence were used to examine the Palestinian National Cash
Transfer Programme, combining collection and analysis of primary and secondary data through
document study, expert interviews, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews.

This thesis draws on the transformative social protection framework, emphasising the aim of
enhancing the rights and social status of the marginalised, thereby reducing their economic
and social vulnerability. It argues that social protection for persons with disabilities should
adopt a ‘transformative’ approach to support equity, social justice, and empowerment. The
necessary components of an inclusive social protection policy are suggested, transcending the
traditional medical or charitable conceptualisations of persons with disabilities.

The thesis highlights the complexity of addressing disability through cash transfer
programmes, especially when political, structural, and resource factors are also influential. The
main argument is that ad hoc responses to persons with disabilities’ needs in cash transfer
programmes are insufficient to deliver a sustainable and positive impact on their wellbeing and
independent living. The evidence suggests that policy interventions to address persons with
disabilities’ independent living rights must focus on institutional, social, and political
structures, rather than just income. Cash transfers are one policy solution to partially enhance
persons with disabilities’ autonomy and life choices. However, social protection interventions
should extend beyond poverty alleviation social transfers, with broader services than cash.
Adopting wide-ranging measures should assure persons with disabilities of equal access to
support and mainstream social services, promote their independence, and reduce social
exclusion.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Chris White
Date Deposited:	19 Jul 2018 10:47
Last Modified:	31 Jan 2021 01:38
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/67654
DOI:

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